Things We All Can Do.

Time to take a look at what we can do. Because yes, we can do things. Even if you don't have money, and even if you don't have much energy left these days, there are things you can do.

The easiest, cheapest, ridiculously small but still powerful thing that everyone of us can make happen every day: Smile. Give somebody you don't know at all a smile, out there on the streets, in the supermarket, in the bus, in the elevator. You already make a little change right then, right there. If you want to challenge yourself, make it three smiles each day. Bonus points if it's someone often forgotten or overlooked - a bus driver. The cleaning lady. A supermarket cashier. You'll make their day a little brighter, and yours as well. 

One step up - say thank you to people. Write a note to a politician working for democratic causes, speaking up against unjustice, and say "Thank you for your work". They will be frustrated, too, and may be struggling, so hearing something positive will help them. You can also say thank you to the driver as you're exiting the bus, or when you see a cleaner doing their job. In a time where rifts between people are purposefully made bigger and bigger to tear us apart and make us easier to suppress and rule, acts of kindness and friendliness will help to get us closer again, and to not forget we are all humans.

If you have a little money to spare, go look for an NGO you can support. In Germany, CDU/CSU is now trying to intimidate the organisations that organised demonstrations against right-wing extremists and fascism, trying to discredit them and maybe stop their state support. (Spoiler: They usually only get money for specific projects, typically to support democracy, and have to list what the money was spent for - so it's not like they are handed a bunch of money with a "here you go, have fun".) Pick one of them - a research platform, some group pointing out extremist tendencies, an organisation buying up land to turn into nature reserves, a group (including a small local group) working to slow down climate change and protect nature. Donate to them, preferably a running donation every month. It does not need to be much, if you can spare a fiver each month (which is, depending on where you buy it, about a large coffee) - it already helps more than you'd imagine, especially if many of us do that now. 

Shop locally, if you can. Support your local farmers and small businesses. Think about what you need before you buy - especially if it's from one of the big companies that make a lot of profit exploiting their workers. (Nestlé would be one of the huge corporations of, hm, debatable ethnicity.) Look if there's a thrift shop near you where you can donate stuff you don't need anymore that is still good to use, or a "free to a new home" distribution centre. Maybe you can even set up one yourself - a shelf with some kind of weather protection above it would already do.

You want to do more? You have time to spare but not money? Get active yourself. Helpers, supporters, everyone can pitch in with something. Setting up logistics for meetings, and tearing down. Handing out flyers (or stuffing them into mailboxes). Even if you're an introvert, there will be something you can do to help, without exposing yourself. You can also call your representatives and ask specific questions. If you're not up to calling, you can send a letter. (If you put a small coin in there, it cannot be put into the shredder unopened, so even if it does not get read, it will cause some nuisance.)

Germans are currently sending cups to Merz in an act of protest against things he said. Nobody knows what that will amount to, but it's something you can do, and it's at least fun. (And you can finally get rid of that ugly cup...)

If you're more extroverted you can talk to people. Listen to their concerns. Connect with neighbours and friends, build yourself a network that can lift you up when you are down. Talk to people outside of your bubble - maybe you can find a point that you agree on, and work from there. Maybe you can find a solution for a small problem in your area. 

And the most important thing: Don't give up now. We still have a chance. No matter where you are, there still is a chance. But if we stop fighting, if we stop advocating... we will definitely lose.

If you like, make a note here in the comments on what you're planning to do - or your ideas for other things that can make a difference!